A deal is imminent for the 20-year-old Brazilian, so the money could be reinvested in taking Paulinho from Corinthians for €20m.

“I met President MassimoMoratti yesterday and we have the same objectives,” said Coach Stramaccioni in his Press conference.

“The target is to improve the squad. I don’t need players coming in to make up the numbers. If someone arrives, he has to be of a superior level.

“At the same time, any painful sales are linked to bringing in important players who will improve Inter. That is how the President and I see it.

“Coutinho and Ricky Alvarez? I dubbed them painful losses because these are players who started the project with us and that is also true of Wesley Sneijder. It is always painful to lose players I work with.

“I could let go of a player as long as another will arrive who can help the squad. Paulinho? I won’t comment on names until the window closes.”